By Judy Wakefield jwakefield@eagletribune.com
A popular American-Armenian musician and singer is headed to Andover this weekend to perform a benefit concert for The Armenian Friends of America.
Onnik Dinkjian, 87, will assume the stage for the “Hye Kef 5” Armenian dance on Saturday, Oct. 22, at the Doubletree by Hilton (formerly the Wyndham) on Old River Road in Andover.
The enduring performer will be accompanied by his son, Ara Dinkjian, founder of the instrumental group Night Ark, and a local all-star ensemble assembled just for the occasion.
The annual event is organized by the Armenian Friends of America, a nonprofit organization established five years ago to honor, celebrate and, most importantly, unite the four Armenian churches in the Merrimack Valley.
Proceeds will support the four churches, which include St. Gregory Armenian Apostolic Church of North Andover, The Armenian Apostolic Church of Hye Point in Bradford, Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church of Chelmsford and Ararat Armenian Congregational Church of Salem, N.H., as well as other Armenian charities.
“This is an exceptional opportunity to witness history and enjoy the true spirit of what brings Armenian-Americans together,” John Arzigian, chairman of the Armenian Friends of America, said in a press release.
“The goal of the AFA was to bring all Armenians in the Merrimack Valley and New England together for Christian brotherhood. The four Armenian Church communities in the Valley have supported this effort with the proceeds being donated back to each church community.”
A French-born, American-Armenian musician and singer, Dinkjian has performed over the last several decades with various Armenian musicians, such as violin and oud player Roupen Altiparmakian.
He will be joined on Saturday night by John Berberian on oud, Mal Barsamian on clarinet, son Ara Dinkjian on keyboard and Jason Naroian on dumbeg.
Arzigian is anticipating a sell-out event.
“It is without a doubt that having Onnik agree to perform for Hye Kef 5 is extraordinary,” Arzigian said. “At 87 years old, he is a legend, with boundless energy and a timeless love for his music and culture.”
The event goes from 7 p.m. to midnight. Tickets are $65, and include a full buffet. For tickets or information, call Arzigian at 603-560-3826, Lucy Sirmaian at 978-683-9121, Peter Gulezian at 978-375-1616, or Sharke Der Apkarian at 978-808-0598.